Houston's <a href="http://www.buffalobayou.org/parks.html">Buffalo Bayou Park</a> is about to receive a $55 million upgrade that includes the renovation of a recently-discovered "Romanesque" cistern that lies beneath it. The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is leading the project with help from <a href="http://www.swagroup.com/">SWA Group</a> and others. So far they have not yet decided what they will do with the subterranean space, but ideas of a performance or arts venue have already been bandied about. Hit the jump to learn more about the spectacular 2.3 mile upgrade that is designed to completely transform the stretch between Shepherd Drive and Sabine Street.

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Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern by SWA Group

The Buffalo Bayou Partnership originally planned to convert this underground space into storage for mulch or parking

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Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern by SWA Group

Once they discovered the Romanesque cistern and its amazing light and acoustics, it was clear they would have to incorporate this space in the Buffalo Bayou park

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Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern by SWA Group

2.3 Miles of urban space will be rehabilitated in the plan

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Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern by SWA Group

Hiking and biking trails will be added

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Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern by SWA Group

Native vegetation will be restored to the park to increase its self-sustainability

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Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern by SWA Group

This map indicates the area that is going to be revamped as part of this $55 million project!

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Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern by SWA Group

Houston's Buffalo Bayou Park is about to receive a $55 million upgrade that includes the renovation of a recently-discovered "Romanesque" cistern that lies beneath it. The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is leading the project with help from SWA Group and others. So far they have not yet decided what they will do with the subterranean space, but ideas of a performance or arts venue have already been bandied about. Hit the jump to learn more about the spectacular 2.3 mile upgrade that is designed to completely transform the stretch between Shepherd Drive and Sabine Street.